Dubai Airship Stunt by Skydive Dubai captured the world’s attention after Sheikh Hamdan shared the breathtaking video. The stunt featured Belgian daredevil Magali Folkner Braff swinging beneath a powered airship over Dubai. This aerial feat, performed in a flowing red dress, combined artistry, technical skill, and sheer audacity, drawing over three million views online.
The project took four weeks of intense preparation and involved 25 core team members. Furthermore, multiple government entities collaborated to ensure safety and flawless execution. Skydive Dubai revealed that the stunt also marked the company’s 15-year anniversary and the launch of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival.
The stunt originated from a long-held dream within Skydive Dubai. “Once we acquired our initial airship, we realized the creative possibilities it unlocked,” a company spokesperson explained. Unlike previous aerial swings over open natural settings, this stunt took place above Dubai’s iconic urban landscape at sunrise, adding a dramatic visual element.
Technical challenges were significant. First, the team designed a swing that combined elegance and safety. Magali could sit or stand comfortably while the swing minimized twisting and included an emergency quick-release system. Second, the dress had to balance fashion and aerodynamics. Magali personally oversaw the design, ensuring the sleeves, slits, and parachute integration worked perfectly in flight. Four identical versions were tested to guarantee functionality and safety.
The team coordinated with Aviation Authorities, Dubai Municipality, Jumeirah, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The stunt required precision piloting, with the airship navigating densely populated urban areas while Magali swung 25 meters below. The 14 km route covered Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Nad Al Sheba, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Canal, and Kite Beach, ending with a precision landing.
Skydive Dubai emphasized that the stunt embodies the city’s spirit: daring, disciplined, and creative. “Respecting preparation allows one to achieve feats once thought impossible,” the spokesperson said. Sheikh Hamdan echoed this sentiment, captioning the video, “Dare to dream…and then swing higher.”
This achievement represents a global first. No aerial swing had previously been attempted from a powered airship above a major city during a festival. The stunt also reinforced Dubai Shopping Festival’s position as a platform for world-class experiences. Multiple versions of the video circulated, showcasing the technical mastery and spectacle of this landmark event.
Overall, Dubai Airship Stunt demonstrates the fusion of innovation, artistry, and technical precision. It sets a new benchmark for aerial adventure and positions Dubai as a hub for daring, globally recognized feats.
